Method and apparatus for operating function in touch device

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a function in a touch device capable of simultaneously changing an option and executing the function based on an input touch event during execution of a function using a function button provided in a certain mode which is executed in a touch device supporting touch based input and an apparatus thereof is provided. The method includes executing a second function associated with option setting according to a touch event input to a function button; and executing a first function allocated to the function button according to an option value set by the second function when the input touch event is released.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Koreanpatent application filed on Oct. 10, 2011 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2011-0102856, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for operatinga function in a touch device. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a method for operating a function in a touch device capableof simultaneously changing an option and executing the function based onan input touch event during execution of a function using a functionbutton provided in a certain mode which is executed in a touch devicesupporting touch based input, and an apparatus thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, with the development of digital technology, mobiledevices such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), an electronicorganizer, a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC) capable ofprocessing communication and private information while moving have beendeveloped. Through the rapid development of technology, such a mobiledevice has various functions, including voice call, SMS transmission,moving call, electronic organizer function, camera, e-mail, Internet,and Social Networking Service (SNS).

Recently, mobile devices having a touch screen have become widelyavailable. The touch screen is a device for simultaneously supporting adisplay function of a display device and an input function of an inputdevice. A user may operate a mobile device by action of touching ascreen of the touch screen using a certain object (e.g., finger, point,pen, etc.). When using a mobile device with the touch screen, the userdirectly touches a corresponding point to input while viewing a screen.Even users not accustomed to using the mobile device may easily usevarious functions of the touch screen.

Mobile devices have supported execution of a function using a functionbutton provided during execution of a certain mode. Mobile device havealso supported various option menus associated with a correspondingfunction during execution of a certain function in the certain mode. Forexample, the user may execute a photographing function using aphotographing button given in a photographing mode. In addition, themobile device has supported an option menu for changing various options(e.g., white balance, brightness, exposure, resolution, ISO, etc.)associated with photographing during execution of a photographingfunction in a photographing mode. Similarly, in a broadcasting mode forwatching a mobile broadcasting, the user may execute a recordingfunction using a recording button given in the broadcasting mode. Duringexecution of a recording function, an option menu for changing variousoptions (e.g., channel list, recording date, recording time, recordingstart time, recording end time) associated with recording is provided.In a messenger mode for chatting between users, the user may execute atransmission function of input texts using a transmission button give inthe messenger mode. During execution of a transmission function in amessenger mode, an option menu for changing various options (e.g., fonttype, the font color, language) associated with an input test has beensupported.

However, in a touch based mobile device of the related art, execution ofa function using a function button in the foregoing certain mode may besimply performed through touch based input. Meanwhile, for changingvarious options given in each certain mode, a desired option may beselected by only calling an option menu and passing through great depthin the called option menu. Further, it is inconvenient for a user toseparately perform an operation for changing an option value of theselected option. For example, a photographing function may be executedby only touching a photographing button in a photographing mode.However, the user needs to perform a complex procedure to change and setcertain options and then to execute the photographing function. Forexample, to change and set an option value such as a white balance, theuser may perform a complicated procedure such as calling an option menu,searching and selecting a white balance menu in a given option menu,selecting a desired option value from the given white balance menu, andapplying an optional setting value; changing an option; and executing afunction by pressing a photographing button or performing another inputaction many times. This inconvenience of the user also occurs in thebroadcasting mode and the messenger mode.

Typically, when the user changes an optional option value in a certainmode of a mobile device and then executes a function according thereto,there is an inconvenience that the user needs to perform a complicatedmenu operation and to perform an operation according to setting anoptional modification and execution of a function many times. However,in the related art, as the foregoing complicated procedures areperformed, it takes a long time to execute a desired function. Becausean optional menu search and option setting are not intuitivelysupported, it is very difficult for a user to change the option.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentinvention is to provide a method for controlling a function in a touchdevice which may improve convenience of user input for changing variousoption values used during a function operation in a touch devicesupporting touch based input, and an apparatus thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device which may rapidly andintuitively change various option values used during execution of acertain function in a touch device and execute a certain function basedon the changed optional values, and an apparatus thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device which may set various optionvalues by one touch input using a function button provided according toan execution mode in a touch device and execute a function allocated toa function button based on at least set option value, and an apparatusthereof.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device which may implement an optimalenvironment for supporting a function operation according to change inan optional value of a user in a touch device to improve convenience forthe user, usability of the touch device, and a competitive force of thetouch device, and an apparatus thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod for controlling a function in a touch device, the methodcomprising: executing an option setting function according to a touchevent input associated with a displayed function button, the optionsetting function comprising setting an option value; and executing afunction allocated to the function button according to the set optionvalue when the touch event input is released.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda touch device comprising: a display unit arranged to display a functionbutton and arranged to receive a touch event input; a memory arranged tostore information for implementing an option setting function and forimplementing a function allocated to the function button; and acontroller arranged to execute an option setting function according to atouch event input associated with the displayed function button, theoption setting function comprising setting an option value, and furtherarranged to execute the function allocated to the function buttonaccording to the set option value when the touch event input isreleased.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device is provided. The methodincludes executing a second function associated with option settingaccording to a touch event input to a function button, and executing afirst function allocated to the function button according to an optionvalue set by the second function when the input touch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device is provided. The methodincludes detecting a touch event input in a function button displayed ina certain mode, displaying an option menu in response to the touch eventinput, detecting movement of the touch event while the option menu isdisplayed, changing an option value based on the option menu accordingto the movement of the touch event, and executing a function of thefunction button based on the changed option value when the touch eventis released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a function in a touch device is provided. The methodincludes receiving a touch event input through a function buttondisplayed on a screen, executing an unique function of the functionbutton when the touch event is released within a predetermined time,displaying a menu setting an option associated with the unique functionwhen a predetermined time elapses after the touch event is inputted tothe function button, setting the option value when the touch event ismoved corresponding to the menu while the touch event is not released,and reflecting the set option value to execute the unique function ofthe function button when the touch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, aphotographing method in a touch device is provided. The method includesa photographing method in a touch device, includes: receiving a touchevent input through a photographing button displayed on a screen,performing photographing when the touch event is released within apredetermined time, displaying a menu setting an option associated withthe photographing when the touch event maintains for greater than apredetermined time after the touch event is inputted to thephotographing button, setting the option value when the touch event ismoved corresponding to the menu while the touch event is not released,and performing photographing to which the set option value is appliedwhen the touch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computerreadable recording medium recording a program to be executed by aprocessor is provided.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computerreadable recording medium stores a program to be executed by a processoris provided. The recording medium stores includes displaying a functionbutton on a screen, processing a first mode executing an unique functionof a function button when a touch event input through the functionbutton is released within a predetermined time, displaying a menusetting an option associated with the unique function when the touchevent input through the function button maintains for greater than apredetermined time, setting the option value when the touch event ismoved corresponding to the menu in a state that the touch event is notreleased, and processing a second mode of reflecting the set optionvalue to execute the unique function of the function button when thetouch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchdevice is provided. The touch device includes a display unit fordisplaying a function region for providing at least one soft typefunction button for executing a function in a certain mode duringexecution of the certain mode and a display region for displayingrelated data operated according to a touch event input through thefunction button of the function region, a memory for storing at leastone option menu given by the certain mode, a corresponding optionsetting value, and preset information for a function operation of thetouch device, and a controller for changing at least one option valuewith respect to at least one option menu according to a touch eventinput through the function button in the certain mode and forcontrolling execution of a function of the function button based on theat least one changed option value when the touch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchdevice is provided. The touch device includes a touch screen displayinga function button for performing an unique function and receiving atouch event input through the function button, a controller controllinga first mode executing the unique function of the function button whenthe touch event is released within a predetermined time, displaying amenu setting an option associated with the unique function when thetouch event maintains for greater than a predetermined time, setting theoption value when the touch event is moved in a state that the touchevent is not released, and controlling a second mode of reflecting theset option value to execute the unique function of the function buttonwhen the touch event is released.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchdevice is provided. The touch device includes a camera module, a touchscreen displaying a photographing button for performing photographingusing the camera module, and receiving a touch event input forperforming the photographing through the photographing button, acontroller controlling a first mode executing photographing when thetouch event is released within a predetermined time, displaying a menusetting an option associated with the photographing when the touch eventmaintains for greater than a predetermined time, setting the optionvalue when the touch event is moved in a state that the touch event isnot released, and controlling a second mode of executing photographingto which the set option value is applied when the touch event isreleased.

According to certain embodiments the option menu or option controller isdisplayed in a form greater than one dimension.

Releasing the touch event input within the predetermined time maycomprise the touch event being released from the photographing button,and releasing the touch event after the predetermined time elapses maycomprise releasing the touch event input from the option menu.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program comprisinginstructions arranged, when executed, to implement a method and/orapparatus in accordance with any one of the above-described aspects. Afurther aspect provides machine-readable storage storing such a program.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainexemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofa touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2 to 5 are diagrams schematically illustrating a function controloperation in a touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6 to 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens fordescribing an operation of changing an option value and executing acorresponding function using a function button provided by executionmodes in a touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of changing an option andexecuting a function in a touch device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation of settinga multi-option value by one touch input in a touch device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams illustrating examples of changing an optionmenu for setting a multi-option value in a touch device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating various forms in whichan option menu is provided in a touch device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 18 to 20 are flowcharts illustrating a method for controlling afunction of a touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar elements, features, andstructures,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is provided for illustration purposes only and not forthe purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example“comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, andis not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives,components, integers or steps.

Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are tobe understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment orexample described herein unless incompatible therewith.

It will be also be appreciated that, throughout the description andclaims of this specification, language in the general form of “X for Y”(where Y is some action, activity or step and X is some means forcarrying out that action, activity or step) encompasses means X adaptedor arranged specifically, but not exclusively, to do Y.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method foroperating a function in a touch device which may operate a complexfunction by one touch event input using a function button providedaccording to an execution mode in a touch device supporting a touchbased input, and an apparatus thereof. Exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may change an option value according to touch eventinput to a function button given by certain modes, and execute acorresponding function allocated to the function button with the changeoption value during release of the touch event. Exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention may execute a function (option change function)associated with option setting according to a touch event input to thefunction button, and reflect an option value set by the option changefunction during execution of a function (button function) allocated tothe function button according to release of the input touch event toexecute the button function.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the touchevent may be interpreted as a first event for directly executing acorresponding function of a function button given in an execution modeaccording to a form input to the function button or a second event forsetting an option based on the function button and executing acorresponding function of the function button based on the set option.

For example, when both input and release of the touch event are executedfor the function button within a certain time, the touch event isdetermined as the first event and a corresponding function of thefunction button may be directly executed. When the touch event is inputto the function button for greater than a predetermined time, the touchevent may be determined as the second event.

When the touch event is determined as the second event, an option menucall according to the touch event input on a function button of a touchscreen, an option change according to movement in an option menu whileinput of the touch event remains on the touch screen, and acorresponding function of a function button based on an option setduring a touch event retained on the touch screen is released on anoption menu may be executed.

Further, the touch event includes inputs for an option menu call beforeexecuting a function by the function button as described above (a statethat a predetermined time elapses and maintains after input of thefunction button), movement to the option menu while maintaining an inputon the touch screen (corresponding to a case where an option menu isprovided to be spaced apart from the function button), an option changedue to movement into the option menu while maintaining the input on thetouch screen, and an option change according to movement into anadditional option menu.

As used herein, a touch event input indicates a state in which an object(e.g., finger, point, pen, etc.) for user input touches one region of atouch screen. The retain state denotes a state in which the objectremains in contact with the touched region or moves from the touchedregion to another region, and indicates all states before the object isseparated (released) from the touch screen. Release of the touch eventdenotes a state in which the object in contact with the touch screen isseparated (released) from the touch screen.

Accordingly, the touch event may be classified into an interaction forexecuting a function allocated to a function button (action whose inputand release are achieved within a predetermined time), an interactionfor calling an option menu allocated to a function button beforeexecuting a function due to a corresponding function button (action inwhich input and retain are achieved on a function button for greaterthan a predetermined time), an interaction for changing an option valueaccording to a called option menu (action moving to a predeterminedregion while retaining input), and an interaction for executing afunction allocated to a function button after changing an option value(action for separating an object from a moved region while retaininginput). In addition, the touch event having the classified interactionsas described above may be regarded as one input of a user for setting anoption and executing a function of the present invention. Exemplaryembodiments of the present invention may execute a plurality offunctions by one touch based on one finger. Accordingly, before a touchevent input to a function button is released, exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention detect an interaction according to change (input,retain, movement, release) of one touch event as described above, andmay accordingly perform activation of an option menu, option changebased on the option menu, and execution of a function according to achanged option simultaneously.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, change ofan option and execution of a function may be performed by one user inputaction using a function button based on one touch. The change of anoption and execution of a function may be performed by one user inputaction using a function button in such a way that a first function beingan unique function allocated to a function button during release of thetouch event after a second function (option setting function) changingat least one option value according to input touch event in executingthe first unique function (unique function) allocated to the functionbutton. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention maychange a multi-option value by one touch event, and execute a functionallocated to a function button based on the changed option value.

A configuration of a touch device and a method for controlling anoperation of the touch device is described with reference toaccompanying drawings. However, because a configuration of a touchdevice and a method of controlling an operation thereof according to anembodiment is not limited to following contents, it will be noticed thatthey are applicable to various embodiments based on the followingdescription.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofa touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a touch device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention includes a display unit 100, a memory 300, anda controller 500. The touch device may further include additional unitsnot shown, such as an audio processor having a microphone and a speaker;a digital broadcasting module for receiving digital broadcasting (e.g.,mobile broadcasting such as Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) orDigital Video Broadcasting (DVB)); a camera module for photographing astill image and a moving image of a subject; at least one near distancecommunication module for supporting a near distance wirelesscommunication based function such as Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) communication or Near Field Communication (NFC); an input unitfor supporting input based on a hard key; an RF module for supporting acommunication function such as mobile communication based voice call,moving call, and data call; a communication module for supportingInternet Protocol (IP) based Internet communication service; and abattery for supplying power to the foregoing structural elements.

The display unit 100 may display an operation state of a touch deviceand a screen associated with a performing operation thereof. Forexample, the display unit 100 may display a home screen of the touchdevice or respective execution screens according to execution of variousapplications. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) may be used as the displayunit 100. However, other display devices such as Light Emitting Diode(LED), Organic LED (OLED), or Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED) may also beused. The display unit 100 further includes an interface supportingtouch based input. For example, the display unit 100 may support varioustouch based user inputs by a touch screen, generate an input signalaccording to user input, and transfer the input signal to the controller500. When displaying the execution screen, the display unit 100 maysupport screen display in a landscape mode, screen display in atransverse mode, and adaptive screen conversion display according tovariation between the landscape mode and the transverse mode in arotating direction (or put direction) of the touch device.

The display unit 100 may provide a function region providing at leastone soft type function button for executing a function in a certain modein which a certain application is executed and a display region fordisplaying relation data operated according to a touch event inputthrough a function button of the function region. Various functionbuttons may be provided in a certain mode executed in a case of thefunction region. The display unit 100 may express a result screen of anexecuted function with a changed option through the display regionaccording to a touch event of a user using a given function button in acertain mode. A screen configuration of the display unit 100 and ascreen example thereof will be described later.

The memory 300 stores various applications executed and processed by thetouch device and data, and may include at least one volatile memory andnon-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include a Random AccessMemory (RAM), and the non-volatile memory may include a Read Only Memory(ROM), or a flash memory. The memory 300 may continuously or temporarilystore an operating system of the touch device, a program and dataassociated with a display control operation of the display unit 100, aprogram and data associated with an input control operation using thedisplay unit 100, a program and data associated with a functionoperation of the touch device, and a program and data associated with acontrol operation for supporting option change by a touch based onetouch input and execution of the function in the touch device.

In addition, the memory 300 may store various option menus 410 given bycertain modes and an option setting value according thereto. The memory300 may also store various preset information necessary for functionoperation of the present invention. An example of the option menu 410and an option setting value according thereto is described below. Thepreset information 430 may include information about a functionallocated to a function button given by certain modes, at least oneoption menu operated by the function button, and previously setinformation with respect to an option menu order provided according to amoving path of a touch event during providing a multi-option menu by thefunction button.

The controller 500 controls an overall operation of the touch device.The controller 500 may change an option according to touch based userinput of the touch device and control an operation associated withexecution of a function acceding to user input based the changed optionvalue. The controller 500 may change an option value with respect to atleast one option menu according to a touch event input through afunction button in an executed certain mode and control execution of afunction of the function button based on the at least one changed optionvalue. For example, the controller 500 may activate an option menu whena touch event input while a function button of a function region isdisplayed in a certain mode, and change and set an option according tomovement of the input touch event on the active option menu. When thetouch event is released, the controller 500 may control execution of acorresponding function allocated to a function button based on thechanged set option value.

An option menu may be an array or list of options, which may forinstance comprise text identifying different option values or symbolsrepresenting different options. Setting an option value from an optionmenu may be considered to comprise selecting one of a predeterminedgroup of discrete option values. An option controller may provide theability to select an option value from a group of discrete option valuesor from a continuous range of option values, and may for instance beimplemented as a slider for which the position of the touch event inputalong a first axis of the slider determines the selected option value.

When touch event input is detected on a given function button in acertain mode, the controller 500 may control display of an option menuin response to the touch event input. When movement of the touch eventis detected in a displayed state of the optional menu, the controller500 may change an option value based on the option menu according to themovement of the touch event. In this case, when the optional value ischanged, the controller 500 may control real-time display of a screenchanged according to change in the option value in a currently executedcertain mode. When the release of the touch event is detected, thecontroller 500 may execute a corresponding function of the functionbutton based on an option value during the release of the touch event,and control a result screen display thereof. As described above, thecontroller 500 may control an overall operation with respect toexecution of a function acceding to change in an option of the presentinvention.

The touch event may be classified into an interaction for executing afunction allocated to a certain function button on the function region,an interaction for calling an option menu allocated to a function buttonbefore executing a function due to a corresponding function button, aninteraction moved to change an option value acceding to a called optionmenu, and an interaction for executing a function allocated to afunction button after changing an option value. The touch event maycorrespond to one input of the user. A function of the touch device maybe executed by one touch based on one finger. An option change andfunction execution operation according to the touch event is describedbelow with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, the controller 500may detect an interaction according to a change in at least one touchevent before a touch event input on a function button is released, andmay collectively control activation of the option menu, option changebased on the option menu, and execution of a function by the changedoption.

As described above, a control operation of the controller 500 isdescribed below with reference to operation examples of the touch deviceand a control method thereof. The controller 500 may control variousoperations associated with a typical function of the touch device aswell as the foregoing function. For example, the controller 500 maycontrol an operation and screen display of a certain application duringexecution of the certain application. The controller 500 may receive aninput signal corresponding to various touch event inputs supported froman input interface based on the touch and control a function operationthereto. In addition, the controller 500 may controltransmission/reception of various data based on wired communication andwireless communication.

The touch device shown in FIG. 1 may be any type of device, such as bartype, folder type, slide type, swing type, and flip type. The touchdevice of the present invention may include various information andcommunication devices, such as a multi-media device, and an applicationdevice thereof supporting a function of the present invention. Forexample, the touch device may be a Personal Computer (PC), a SmartPhone, a digital camera, a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a MediaPlayer, a portable game terminal, a laptop computer, and a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA) as well as a mobile communication terminaloperated based on respective communication protocols corresponding tovarious communication systems. The function control method according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention may be applied andoperated to various display devices supporting touch based input such asa Digital Television (TV), Digital Signage (DS), and a Large FormatDisplay (LFD).

FIGS. 2 to 5 are diagrams schematically illustrating a function controloperation of a touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a screen when a photographing modesupporting a photographing function of a subject by a camera mode isexecuted. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a screen when a messengermode supporting a chatting function is executed with other users isexecuted. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a screen when a media modesupporting a contents playback function such as music, moving images, ormobile broadcasting is executed. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of ascreen when a call mode for a voice call or a moving call with anotheruser is executed. According to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, the media mode may be supported by application such as amedia player, and may include a music mode for playing music contents, amoving image mode for playing moving images, and a broadcasting mode forplaying mobile broadcasting.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the user interface may be divided into adisplay region 310 for displaying data according to execution of afunction and a function region 330 to which at least one soft typefunction button for executing a function is provided. The user interfacemay express a layout differently according to a certain mode, such asthe examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5.

An execution screen according to execution of a certain mode such as aphotographing mode, a messenger mode, a media mode, and a call mode maybe expressed on the display region 310. A screen changed according tovariation in an option value due to a touch event of a user using afunction button or a result screen of an executed function with achanged option may be variously expressed on the display region 310 in acertain mode.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, at leastone soft type function button for executing a function corresponding toa certain mode such as a photographing mode, a messenger mode, a mediamode, and a call mode may be expressed on the function region 330. Asshown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the function region 330 may be configured byvarious layouts according to an executed certain mode. A photographingbutton OK of FIG. 2, a transmission button SEND of FIG. 3, playbackfunction control buttons of FIG. 4, a voice call button, a moving callbutton, and a message button of FIG. 5 may correspond to the functionbutton. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the function button may alsobe a character input button, a channel switch button, and a recordingbutton.

A form of the user interface is limited to the foregoing form in FIGS. 2to 5. However, the user interface is divided into a display region 310and a function region 330 having a function button for controlling afunction. It will be appreciated that the user interface may beimplemented by user interfaces of various forms such that option changebased one touch and function execution may be supported. An operationfor option change based one touch and function execution in each modeprovided based on the user interface and a screen example thereof isdescribed below.

FIG. 6 is diagram illustrating an example of screens for describing anoperation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 illustrates an example where a photographingmode is executed and a photographing function is performed using afunction button (e.g., photographing button) provided in thephotographing mode. FIG. 6 illustrates that an option value supported ina photographing mode is changed according to a touch event inputted tothe photographing button, and a photographing function is executed basedon a changed option value during release of the touch event.

As shown in reference numeral <601>, a photographing mode is executedaccording to user operation to express a corresponding execution screen.In this case, an image of a subject input through a camera module isdisplayed on the display region 310 during execution of thephotographing mode, and a photographing button 600 for executing aphotographing function may be displayed on the function region 330.

The user may input a touch event on a photographing button 600 of afunction region 330 as illustrated in reference numeral <603> in a stateof reference numeral <601>. When input of a touch event is detectedthrough the photographing button 600, a touch device activates anddisplays an option menu 650 on the photographing button 600 asillustrated in reference numeral <605>.

When the touch event is input for greater than a preset time, the optionmenu 650 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, a unique function (e.g., photographing function) allocated to thephotographing button 600 may be directly executed. The option menu 650may be provided on the photographing button 600 in an overlay form,around the photographing button 600 in the function region 330, or at apreset location of the display region 310. A form of the option menu maybe determined according to a type of a function button selected in anexecuted certain mode and a corresponding certain mode, and may beindicated in a certain location according to user setting. An initiallyprovided option menu according to the touch event may be set duringmanufacture or according to user setting.

For example, the user may designate option menus such as a whitebalance, brightness, exposure, resolution, ISO as an option menu by thephotographing button 600 in a photographing mode, and an output orderthereof may be determined and set. If the user selects and designates awhite balance menu as an initially activated option menu 650, the optionmenu 650 illustrated in reference numeral <605> may express a menu forcontrolling an option value of a white balance. If the user selects anddesignates an exposure menu as an initially activated option menu 650,the option menu 650 illustrated in reference numeral <605> may express amenu for controlling an option value of an exposure.

Although not shown in FIG. 6, another option menu set to a next order isadditionally activated and expressed according to movement of a touchevent of the user. For example, when the touch event is moved in adirection (e.g., the touch event is moved toward the display region 310by a predetermined distance) other than a moving direction for changingthe option value, the activated option menu is removed from the screenand a new option menu having a next order according to the movement isactivated. A multi-stage option menu may be sequentially activated in apreset order. An operation for sequentially activating an option menu bydepths changed according to movement of a touch event is describedbelow.

Here, a previously activated option menu is removed from a screen when anew option menu is activated as described above. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,the previously activated option menu may be removed from the screen asdescribed above, or the activated state may be maintained, namely, adisplay thereof on the screen. In this case, when removing the optionmenu, a visual effect such as fade out is applied to the expressionscheme to remove the option menu. Further, when maintaining the optionmenu, a visual effect converting the option into a semi-transparent formto display the option menu or a circle remains. When the new option menuis activated, a visual effect such as fade in is applied to display thenew option menu.

The user may move the touch event in a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 650 in a state that anoption menu 650 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral <605>.For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <607>, the user maymove the touch event in a left or right direction on the option menu 650to change an option value. In this case, the touch device may express aresult in which an option value changed according to movement of a touchevent is reflected in real time. For example, as illustrated inreference numeral <607>, the user may express a result screen (e.g., anoblique as shown in in FIG. 6) corresponding to an option value changedwhen a touch event is moved in a certain direction to increase/reducethe option value on the given option menu 650. For example, when theuser moves the touch event in a direction (e.g., drag interaction)increasing exposure to one level, a screen whose exposure is increasedby one level may be provided in real time. Accordingly, the user maydetermine whether a desired setting is reflected. In addition, movementof a touch event for changing the option value may be achieved byvarious forms such as a movement in a left or right direction, an upwardor downward movement, a movement in a diagonal direction, and rotatingmovement clockwise or counter-clockwise according to a given type of anoption menu.

When an option menu 650 for controlling an exposure option is provided,a form of reference numeral <655> is enlarged and expressed. Asillustrated in reference numeral <651>, an expression degree (e.g.,color, shadow, etc.) in a region of the option menu 650 may besequentially and differently expressed according to addition directionof an option. For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <651>, asthe option menu 650 goes from a leftmost region to a rightmost region, ashadow may gradually become deeper.

As illustrated in reference numeral <653>, an item (e.g., “−” and “+”)indicating that an option is increased or reduced during advancing to acorresponding direction may be provided to respective regionscorresponding to a minimum option value and a maximum option value ofthe option menu 650. For example, as illustrated in reference numeral<653>, a “−” item is expressed on a leftmost region of the option menu650 and a “+” item is expressed on a rightmost region of the option menu650. In addition, a scheme in which the option menu 650 is divided intoa plurality of regions, and each region includes at least one of animage and a text expressing addition degree or colors of respectivedivided regions are differently displayed may be used. Accordingly, theuser may intuitively recognize a direction for setting an exposureoption. An expression scheme of the option menu 650 may be operated invarious option menus.

The user may change an option value to a desired option value by anoperation as illustrated in reference numeral <607> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <609>. In thiscase, a released location of the touch event may be released from amoved point to change the option value on the option menu 650. When thetouch event is released, the option value may be set to a valuecorresponding to the point. When release of the input touch event isdetected, the touch device may execute a photographing function of thephotographing button 600 based on an option value corresponding to apoint in which the touch event in the option menu is released andexpress an execution screen thereof, i.e., a screen photographed as thechanged option value.

In the example of FIG. 6, an option menu 650 is activated and displayedwhile an input touch event is maintained in the photographing button 600and an option value is changed corresponding to movement in a directionfor changing the maintained touch event to an option value. When thetouch event is released, a photographing function of the photographingbutton 600 may be executed according to the changed option value.

When a touch event is input to the photographing button 600 in aphotographing mode and the touch event is released, a photographingfunction may be executed. Further, when a touch event is input andmaintained to a photographing button 600 in the photographing mode, anoption menu 650 may be activated and displayed, and an option accordingto a given option menu 650 may be set. When the touch event issubsequently released, a photographing function may be executed based ona preset option value.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of screens for describing anoperation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates an example where a messengermode is executed and a chatting function is performed using a functionbutton (e.g., transmission button, character input button) provided inthe messenger mode. FIG. 7 illustrates an operation for changing anoption value supported in a messenger mode according to an input touchevent and for executing a text transmission according to a chattingfunction based on a changed option value.

As illustrated in reference numeral <701>, a messenger mode is executedaccording to user operation and a corresponding execution screen isindicated. In this case, during execution of the messenger mode, text(including item such as emoticon) transmitted/received according toexecution of a chatting function of the user is displayed on the displayregion 310, and a character input button and a transmission button 700for performing a chatting function may be displayed on the functionregion 330. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of using the transmissionbutton 700. In FIG. 7, a user inputs a character “HELLO” using acharacter input button and transmission thereof is in a stand-by state.

The user may input a touch event on a transmission button 700 of thefunction region 330 as illustrated in reference numeral <703> in a stateof the reference numeral <701>. When input of the touch event isdetected through a transmission button 700, the touch device mayactivate and express an option menu 750 on the transmission button 700as illustrated in reference numeral <705>.

When the touch event is input for greater than a preset time, the optionmenu 750 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, an unique function (e.g., input text transmission function)allocated to the transmission button 700 may directly executed. Theoption menu 750 may be provided on the photographing button 700 in anoverlay form, around the transmission button 700 in the function region330, or at a preset location of the display region 310. A providing formof the option menu may be determined according to a type of a functionbutton selected in a certain executed mode and a corresponding certainmode, and may be indicated in a certain location according to usersetting. An option menu initially provided according to the touch eventmay be set during manufacture or according to user setting.

For example, the user may designate option menus such as font type, fontsize, font color, language as an option menu by the transmission buttonin the messenger mode, and determine and set an output order thereof.When the user selects and designates a font size menu as an option menu750, an option menu 750 illustrated in reference numeral <705> mayinclude a menu for controlling an option value of font size. When theuser selects and designates a font color menu as an initially activatedoption menu 750, an option menu 750 illustrated in reference numeral<705> may include a menu for controlling an option value of a fontcolor.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, another option menu set in a next ordermay be additionally activated and expressed according to movement of atouch event of the user. For example, when the user moves the touchevent in a direction (e.g., movement of a touch event in a displayregion 310 side by a predetermined distance) other than a movingdirection for changing the option value, the activated option menumaintains or is removed from the screen according to a preset scheme,and a new option menu having a next order is activated and expressedaccording to the movement. A multi-stage option menu may be sequentiallyactivated in a preset order. An operation for sequentially activating anoption menu by depths changed according to movement of a touch event isdescribed below. Here, the option menu is removed from the screen byapplying a visual effect in which an option menu gradually disappearssuch as fade out. When the option menu remains on the screen, the optionmenu may be converted into a semi-transparent form or be expressed tohave a circle. When the new option menu is activated, the new optionmenu may be expressed by applying a visual effect in which an optionmenu gradually disappears such as fade in.

The user may move the touch event in a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 750 in a state that theoption menu 750 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral <705>.As illustrated in reference numeral <707>, the user moves the touchevent upward or downward on the option menu 750 to change an optionvalue. In this case, the touch device may express a result in real timein which an option value changed according to movement of a touch eventis reflected. The user may express a result screen corresponding to anoption value changed when a touch event is moved to a certain directionto increase/reduce an option value on the given option menu 750. Forexample, when the user moves the touch event (for example, draginteraction) in a direction which a font size is increased by one level,a screen whose font size of an input text “HELLO” is increased by onelevel may be provided in real time. Accordingly, the user may directlyconfirm whether the desired setting is displayed. Movement of a touchevent for changing the option value may be achieved by various formssuch as a movement in a left or right direction, an upward and downwardmovement, a movement in a diagonal direction, and rotating movementclockwise or counter-clockwise according to a given type of an optionmenu.

The user may change the option value to a desired option value by theoperation illustrated in reference numeral <707> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <709>. In thiscase, the touch event may be released in a moved point to change anoption value on the option menu 750. When the touch event is released,the option value may be set to a value corresponding to the point.Accordingly, when release of the input touch event is detected, thetouch device may execute a text transmission function of thetransmission button 700 based on an option value corresponding to areleased point of the touch event on the option menu 750 and express anexecution screen thereof, i.e., a screen to which a text reflecting achanged option value is transmitted.

In the example of FIG. 7, an option menu 750 is activated and indicatedwhile an input touch event is maintained in the transmission button 700and an option value is changed corresponding to movement in a directionfor changing the maintained touch event to an option value. When thetouch event is released, a transmission function of the transmissionbutton 700 may be executed with the changed option value.

As described above, when a touch event is input to the transmissionbutton 700 in a messenger mode and the touch event is released, atransmission function of an input text may be executed. When a touchevent is input and maintained to the transmission button 700, an optionmenu 750 is activated and displayed, and an option is set according to agiven option menu 750, When the touch event is released, a texttransmission function may be executed based on a preset option value.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of screens for describing anoperation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 illustrates an example where a media mode(e.g., music mode) is executed, and a music playback function isperformed using a function button (e.g., a control button associatedwith music playback function control, such as a playback button, a FastForward (FF) button, a rewind (REW), a volume control button, and/or asection repetition button). FIG. 8 illustrates an operation of changingan option value provided in a media mode according to a touch eventinputted to a playback button and controlling a playback speed accordingto a music playback function based on a changed option value duringrelease of the touch event.

As shown in reference numeral <801>, a media mode is executed accordingto user operation to express a corresponding execution screen. In thiscase, music file information and a music skin according to userselection is indicated on the display region 310 during execution of themedia mode, and various control buttons for executing the music playbackfunction may be indicated. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of using aplayback button 800.

In a state of reference numeral <801>, a touch event may be input on aplayback button 800 of a function region 330 as illustrated in referencenumeral <803>. When input of the touch event is detected through aplayback button 800, the touch device may activate and indicate theoption menu 850 on the playback button 800 as illustrated in referencenumeral <805>.

When the touch event is input for greater than preset time, the optionmenu 850 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, a unique function (e.g., music playback function) allocated to theplayback button 800 may be executed. The option menu 850 may be providedon the playback button 800 in an overlay form, around the playbackbutton 800 in the function region 330, or at a preset location of thedisplay region 310. A providing form of the option menu may bedetermined according to a type of a function button selected in anexecuted certain mode and a corresponding certain mode, and may beindicated in a certain location according to user setting. An optionmenu initially provided according to the touch event may be set duringmanufacture or according to user setting.

For example, the user may designate option menus for playback such asfile list, music skin, audio effect, section repetition playback, soundfield, playback color temperature, playback speed, and may determine andset an output order thereof. When the user selects and designates aplayback speed menu as an initially activated option menu 850, an optionmenu 850 indicated in the reference numeral <805> may be indicated as amenu for controlling an option value of playback speed. When the userselects and designates a file list as the initially activated optionmenu 850, the option menu 850 illustrated in reference numeral <805> maybecome a list menu for selecting a file to be played.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, another option menu set in a next ordermay be additionally activated and expressed according to movement of atouch event of the user. For example, when the user moves the touchevent in a direction (e.g., movement of a touch event in a displayregion 310 side by a predetermined distance) other than a movingdirection for changing the option value, the activated option menu ismaintained or is removed from the screen according to a preset scheme,and a new option menu having a next order is activated and expressedaccording to the movement. A multi-stage option menu may be sequentiallyactivated in a preset order. An operation for sequentially activating anoption menu by depths changed according to movement of a touch event isdescribed below. The option menu is removed from the screen by applyinga visual effect in which an option menu gradually disappears such asfade out. When the option menu remains on the screen, the option menumay be converted into a semi-transparency form or be expressed to have acircle as it is. When the new option menu is activated, the new optionmenu may be expressed by applying a visual effect in which an optionmenu gradually disappears such as fade in.

The user may move the touch event to a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 850 in a state that anoption menu 850 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral <805>.For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <807>, the user maymove the touch event in a left or right direction on the option menu 850to change an option value. In this case, the touch device may express aresult in which an option value changed according to movement of a touchevent is reflected in real time. For example, as illustrated inreference numeral <807>, the user may express a result screencorresponding to an option value changed when a touch event is moved toa certain to increase/reduce the option value on the given option menu850.

For example, when the given option menu 850 is an option menu forincreasing/reducing playback speed, and the user moves the touch eventin a direction (e.g., drag interaction) increasing the playback to onelevel on the option menu 850, relation information indicating that theplayback speed is changed (e.g., increased) may be provided in realtime. When the given option menu 850 is an option menu for changingmusic skin, and the user moves the touch event (e.g., drag interaction)in a direction changing the music skin on the option menu 850, a screenin which the music skin is changed may be provided in real time. Whenthe given option menu 850 is an option menu for setting sectionplayback, and the user moves the touch event (e.g., drag interaction) bya desired section for section playback on the option menu to set aplayback period (playback length), relation information indicating thatthe playback period (or length) is set from a current playback timepoint (or playback start time point) to a moved section of the touchevent may be provided through a screen in real time.

Accordingly, the user may determine whether a desired setting isreflected. Movement of a touch event for changing the option value maybe achieved by various forms such as a movement in a left or rightdirection, an upward and downward movement, a movement in a diagonaldirection, and rotating movement clockwise or counter-clockwiseaccording to a given type of an option menu.

The user may change an option value to a desired option value by anoperation as illustrated in reference numeral <807> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <809>. In thiscase, a released location of the touch event may be released from amoved point to change the option value on the option menu 850. When thetouch event is released, the option value may be set to a valuecorresponding to the point. When release of the input touch event isdetected, the touch device may execute a music playback function of theplayback button 800 based on an option value corresponding to a point inwhich the touch event in the option menu 850 is released and express anexecution screen thereof. For example, a screen photographed as thechanged option value may be expressed. In a case of controlling afunction associated with sound output among the music playbackfunctions, the sound output may be changed and output according to achanged option value. For example, sound output matching variation inplayback speed may be output at high or low tempo. Further, sectionplayback may be achieved from a current playback time point (or playbackstart time point) to a time period (or length) designated by the user.

In the example of FIG. 8, an option menu 850 is activated and indicatedwhile an input touch event maintains in the playback button 800 and anoption value is changed corresponding to movement in a direction forchanging the maintained touch event to an option value. When the touchevent is released, a music playback function of the playback button 800may be executed with the changed option value.

As described above, when a touch event is input to the playback button800 in a media mode and subsequently released, a music playback functionmay be executed. When the touch event is input to a playback button 800in a media mode and maintained, the option menu 850 may be activated andmaintained, and an option may be set according to a given option menu850. When the touch event is released, a music playback function may beexecuted based on a preset option value.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of screens for describing anoperation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 illustrates an operation similar to that ofFIG. 8, which a case where a provided option menu is different. Forexample, FIG. 8 may illustrate an example where a bar type option menu850 for controlling a playback speed option value, whereas FIG. 9 mayillustrate an example where a menu type option menu 950 for controllingan audio effect option value. Further, an example of operating variousoption menus provided in the same certain mode is described below.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example where a media mode (e.g., music mode) isexecuted and of performing a music playback function using a controlbutton associated with music playback function control). FIG. 9illustrates an operation of changing an option value supported in amedia mode according to a touch event input to a playback button andcontrolling playback speed according to a music playback function basedon an option value changed during release of the touch event.

As illustrated in reference numeral <901>, a media mode is executedaccording to user operation and a corresponding execution screen isindicated. During execution of the media mode, music file informationand a music skin according to user selection may be indicated on thedisplay region 310 and various control buttons for executing a musicplayback function may be displayed on the function region 330. FIG. 9illustrates a case of using a playback button 900.

The user may input a touch event on a playback button 900 of thefunction region 330 as illustrated in reference numeral <903> in a stateof reference numeral <901>. When input of the touch event is detectedthrough a playback button 900, the touch device may activate andindicate an option menu 950 on the playback button 900 as illustrated inreference numeral <905>.

When the touch event is input for greater than a preset time, the optionmenu 950 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, a unique function (e.g., music playback function) allocated to theplayback button 900 may be executed. The option menu 950 may be providedon the playback button 900 in an overlay form, around the playbackbutton 900 in the function region 330, or at a preset location of thedisplay region 310. A providing form of the option menu may bedetermined according to a type of a function button selected in anexecuted certain mode and a corresponding certain mode, and may beindicated in a certain location according to user setting. An initiallyprovided option menu according to the touch event may be set duringmanufacture or according to user setting.

For example, the user may designate option menus necessary for playbacksuch as a file list, a music skin, an audio effect, section repetitionplayback, a sound field, a playback color temperature, and playbackspeed as an option menu by the playback button 950 in a media mode, andan output order thereof may be determined and set. If the user selectsand designates a playback speed menu as an initially activated optionmenu 950, the option menu 950 illustrated in reference numeral <905> mayexpress a menu for controlling an option value of playback speed.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, another option menu set in a next ordermay be additionally activated and expressed according to movement of atouch event of the user. For example, when the user moves the touchevent in a direction (e.g., movement of a touch event in a displayregion 310 side by a predetermined distance) other than a movingdirection for changing the option value, the activated option menu ismaintained or is removed from the screen according to a preset scheme,and a new option menu having a next order is activated and expressedaccording to the movement. A multi-stage option menu may be sequentiallyactivated in a preset order. An operation for sequentially activating anoption menu by depths changed according to movement of a touch event isdescribed below.

The option menu is removed from the screen by applying a visual effectin which an option menu gradually disappears such as fade out. When theoption menu remains on the screen, the option screen may be convertedinto a semi-transparent form or be expressed to have a circle. When thenew option menu is activated, the new option menu may be expressed byapplying a visual effect in which the new option menu graduallydisappears such as fade in.

The user may move the touch event in a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 950 in a state that theoption menu 950 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral <905>.For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <907>, the user movesthe touch event upward or downward on the option menu 950 to change anoption value. In this case, the touch device may express a result inwhich an option value changed according to movement of a touch event isreflected. For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <907>, theuser may express a result screen corresponding to an option valuechanged when a touch event is moved to a certain direction toincrease/reduce an option value on the given option menu 950. Forexample, when the user moves the touch event (for example, draginteraction) in a direction which a certain audio effect is changed, ascreen for informing variation state as a corresponding audio effectpart according to user selection is highlighted may be provided in realtime. Movement of a touch event for changing the option value may beachieved by various forms such as a movement in a left or rightdirection, an upward and downward movement, a movement in a diagonaldirection, and rotating movement clockwise or counter-clockwiseaccording to a given type of an option menu.

The user may change the option value to a desired option value by theoperation illustrated in reference numeral <907> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <909>. The touchevent may be released in a moved point to change an option value on theoption menu 950. When the touch event is released, the option value maybe set to a value corresponding to the point. Accordingly, when releaseof the input touch event is detected, the touch device may execute aplayback function of the playback button 900 based on an option valuecorresponding to a released point of the touch event on the option menu950 and express an execution screen thereof. For example, informationindicating that the audio is played by an audio effect (e.g., POP)reflecting a changed option value may be provided through a screen, anda sound may be output suited to a corresponding audio effect (e.g.,POP).

In the example of FIG. 9, an option menu 950 is activated and indicatedwhile an input touch event maintains in the playback button 900 and anoption value is changed corresponding to movement in a direction forchanging the maintained touch event to an option value. When the touchevent is released, a music playback function being an unique function ofthe playback button 900 may be executed with the changed option value.

When the present invention a touch event is input to the playback button900 in a media mode and the touch event is subsequently released, amusic playback function may be executed. When a touch event is input toa playback button 900 in a media mode and maintained, an option menu 950may be activated and displayed by the touch event, and an option may beset according to a given option menu 950. When the touch event isreleased, a music playback function may be executed based on the setoption value.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of screens for describingan operation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 illustrates an example where a media mode(e.g., broadcast mode, moving image mode) is executed and a mobilebroadcasting playback function is performed using a control buttonassociated with music playback function control. FIG. 10 illustrates anoperation of changing an option value supported in a media modeaccording to a touch event input to a recording button and controllingplayback speed according to a mobile broadcasting playback functionbased on an option value changed during release of the touch event.

Referring to FIG. 10, as illustrated in reference numeral <1001>, amedia mode is executed according to user operation and a correspondingexecution screen is indicated. During execution of the media mode, acorresponding image of a mobile broadcasting channel according to userselection may be indicated on the display region 310 and various controlbuttons (e.g., playback button, channel switch button, sectionrepetition button, recording button, etc.) for executing a musicplayback function may be indicated on the function region 330. FIG. 10illustrates a case of using a recording button 1000.

The user may input a touch event on a recording button 1000 of thefunction region 330 as illustrated in reference numeral <1003> in astate of reference numeral <1001>. When input of the touch event isdetected through a recording button 1000, the touch device may activateand indicate an option menu 1050 on the recording button 1000 asillustrated in reference numeral <1005>.

When the touch event is input for greater than a preset time, the optionmenu 1050 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, a unique function (e.g., recording function) allocated to therecording button 1000 may be directly executed. The option menu 1050 maybe provided on the recording button 1000 in an overlay form, around therecording button 1000 in the function region 330, or at a presetlocation of the display region 310. A providing form of the option menumay be determined according to a type of a function button selected inan executed certain mode and a corresponding certain mode, and may beindicated in a certain location according to user setting. An optionmenu initially provided according to the touch event may be set duringmanufacture or by user setting.

For example, the user may designate option menus necessary for playbacksuch as a file list, a music skin, an audio effect, section repetitionplayback, a sound field, a playback color temperature, and playbackspeed as an option menu by the button 600 in a media mode, and an outputorder thereof may be determined and set. If the user selects anddesignates a recording menu as an initially activated option menu 1050,the option menu 1050 illustrated in reference numeral <1005> may expressa menu for controlling an option value of a recording time. When theuser selects and designates a channel list as an initially activatedoption menu 1050, the option menu 1050 illustrated in reference numeral<1005> may express a list menu for selecting channel broadcasting to berecorded.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, another option menu set in a next ordermay be additionally activated and expressed according to movement of atouch event of the user. For example, when the user moves the touchevent in a direction (e.g., movement of a touch event in the displayregion 310 side by a predetermined distance) other than a movingdirection for changing the option value, the activated option menu ismaintained or is removed from the screen according to a preset scheme,and a new option menu having a next order is activated and expressedaccording to the movement. A multi-stage option menu may be sequentiallyactivated in a preset order. An operation for sequentially activating anoption menu by depths changed according to movement of a touch event isdescribed below.

The option menu is removed from the screen by applying a visual effectin which an option menu gradually disappears such as fade out. When theoption menu remains on the screen, the option menu may be converted intoa semi-transparency form or be expressed to have a circle. When the newoption menu is activated, the new option menu may be expressed byapplying a visual effect in which an option menu gradually disappearssuch as fade in.

The user may move the touch event in a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 1050 in a state that theoption menu 1050 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral<1005>. For example, as illustrated in reference numeral <1007>, theuser moves the touch event upward or downward on the option menu 1050 tochange an option value. The touch device may express a result in realtime in which an option value changed according to movement of a touchevent is reflected. For example, as illustrated in reference numeral<1007>, the user may express a result screen corresponding to an optionvalue changed when a touch event is moved to a certain direction toincrease/reduce an option value on the given option menu 1050. When theuser moves the touch event (for example, drag interaction) in adirection for setting a recording time, relation information indicatinga recording time to be selected may be provided through a screen in realtime. Similarly, when the user moves the touch event in a direction of achannel to be recorded (e.g., drag interaction), relation informationindicating a selected channel may be provided through a screen.Accordingly, the user may confirm whether the desired setting isreflected. Movement of a touch event for changing the option value maybe achieved by various forms such as a movement in a left or rightdirection, an upward and downward movement, a movement in a diagonaldirection, and rotating movement clockwise or counter-clockwiseaccording to a given type of an option menu.

The user may change the option value to a desired option value by theoperation illustrated in reference numeral <1007> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <1009>. The touchevent may be released in a moved point to change an option value on theoption menu 1050. When the touch event is released, the option value maybe set to a value corresponding to the point. Accordingly, when releaseof the input touch event is detected, the touch device may execute atext transmission function of a recording button 1000 based on an optionvalue corresponding to a released point of the touch event on the optionmenu 1050 and express an execution screen thereof. When the user sets arecording time using the recording button and then executes therecording function, recording information or expected recordinginformation may be displayed on a screen according to a changed optionvalue (recording time).

In the example of FIG. 10, an option menu 1050 is activated andindicated while an input touch event is maintained in the recordingbutton 1000 and an option value is changed corresponding to movement ina direction for changing the maintained touch event to an option value.When the touch event is released, a music playback function of therecording button 1000 may be executed with the changed option value.

When a touch event is input to the recording button 1000 and the touchevent is released, a recording function may be executed. When a touchevent to a recording button 1000 is input in a media mode andmaintained, an option menu 1050 is activated and displayed by the touchevent, and an option is set according to a given option menu 1050. Whenthe touch event is released, the recording function may be executedbased on the set option value.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of screens for describingan operation of changing an option value and executing a correspondingfunction using a function button provided by execution modes in a touchdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 illustrates an example where a media modeis executed and a call function is performed using a function button(e.g., voice call button, moving call button, message button, characterinput button, etc.) provided in the call mode. FIG. 11 illustrates anoperation of changing an option value supported in a call mode accordingto a touch event input to a voice call button and executing calltransmission according to the call function based on an option valuechanged during release of the touch event.

As illustrated in reference numeral <1101>, a call mode is executedaccording to user operation and a corresponding execution screen isindicated. During execution of the call mode, receiver information(e.g., phone number) input by the user may be indicated on a displayregion 310 and a voice call button, a moving call button, a messagebutton, and a character input button for executing a call function maybe indicated on the function region 330. FIG. 11 illustrates a case ofusing a voice call button 1100 in which a user inputs receiverinformation of “010-5555-5555” using a character input button and calltransmission is in a stand-by state.

The user may input a touch event on a recording button 1100 of afunction region 330 as illustrated in reference numeral <1003> in astate of reference numeral <1101>. When input of the touch event isdetected through a voice call button 1100, the touch device may activateand indicate an option menu 1150 on the voice call button 1100 asillustrated in reference numeral <1105>.

When the touch event is input for greater than a preset time, the optionmenu 1150 is activated. If the touch event is released within a presettime, a unique function (e.g., recording function) allocated to thevoice call button 1100 may be directly executed. The option menu 1150may be provided on the voice call button 1100 in an overlay form, aroundthe voice call button 1100 in the function region 330, or at a presetlocation of the display region 310. A providing form of the option menumay be determined according to a type of a function button selected inan executed certain mode and a corresponding certain mode, and may beindicated in a certain location according to user setting. An optionmenu initially provided according to the touch event may be set duringmanufacture or by user setting.

For example, the user may designate an option menu such as a Key pad,End Call, Speaker, Mute, Replace Picture (allocated to a moving callbutton) as an option menu by the voice call button 1100 in the callmode. An option menu 1150 indicated in reference numeral <1105> mayinclude a menu capable of selecting an option value such as Key pad, EndCall, Speaker, and Mute.

Although not shown in FIG. 11, another option menu set in a next ordermay be additionally activated and expressed according to movement of atouch event of the user. For example, when the user moves the touchevent in a direction (e.g., movement of a touch event in a displayregion 310 side by a predetermined distance) other than a movingdirection for changing the option value, the activated option menu ismaintained or is removed from the screen according to a preset scheme,and a new option menu having a next order is activated and expressedaccording to the movement. A multi-stage option menu of multi-stages maybe sequentially activated in a preset order. An operation forsequentially activating an option menu by depths changed according tomovement of a touch event is described below.

The option menu is removed from the screen by applying a visual effectin which an option menu gradually disappears such as fade out. When theoption menu remains on the screen, the option menu may be converted intoa semi-transparency form or be expressed to have a circle. When the newoption menu is activated, the new option menu may be expressed byapplying a visual effect in which an option menu gradually disappearssuch as fade in.

The user may move the touch event in a certain direction to change anoption value according to a given option menu 1150 in a state that theoption menu 1150 is activated as illustrated in reference numeral<1105>. As illustrated in reference numeral <1107>, the user moves thetouch event upward or downward on the option menu 1150 to change anoption value. The touch device may express a result in which an optionvalue changed according to movement of a touch event is reflected. Asillustrated in reference numeral <1107>, the user may express a resultscreen corresponding to an option value changed when a touch event ismoved to a certain direction to increase/reduce an option value on thegiven option menu 1150. For example, when the user moves the touch event(for example, drag interaction) in a direction for setting a recordingtime, relation information indicating a recording time to be selectedmay be provided through a screen in real time. Similarly, when the usermoves the touch event in a direction of a channel to be recorded (e.g.,drag interaction), relation information indicating a selected channelmay be provided through a screen. Accordingly, the user may confirmwhether desired setting is reflected. Movement of a touch event forchanging the option value may be achieved by various forms such as amovement in a left or right direction, an upward and downward movement,a movement in a diagonal direction, and rotating movement clockwise orcounter-clockwise according to a given type of an option menu.

The user may change the option value to a desired option value by theoperation illustrated in reference numeral <1107> and then release theinput touch event as illustrated in reference numeral <1109>. The touchevent may be released in a moved point to change an option value on theoption menu 1150. When the touch event is released, the option value maybe set to a value corresponding to the point. Accordingly, when releaseof the input touch event is detected, the touch device may execute atext transmission function being a unique function of a voice callbutton 1100 based on an option value corresponding to a released pointof the touch event on the option menu 1150 and express an executionscreen thereof. In the example of FIG. 11, a screen on which calltransmission is achieved with a changed option value is displayed.

In the example of FIG. 11, an option menu 1150 is activated andindicated while an input touch event is maintained in the voice callbutton 1100 and an option value is changed corresponding to movement ina direction for changing the maintained touch event to an option value.When the touch event is released, a call function of the voice callbutton 1100 may be executed with the changed option value.

When a touch event is input to the voice call button 1100 in a call modeand the touch event is released, a call transmission function may beexecuted. When a touch event to a voice call button 1100 is input andmaintained in a call mode, an option menu 1150 is activated anddisplayed by the touch event, and an option is set according to a givenoption menu 1150. When the touch event is released, the calltransmission function may be executed based on the set option value.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of changing an option andexecuting a function in a touch device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, as illustrated in reference numeral <1210>, acertain function button supportable in a certain mode may be providedthrough the function region 330. The user may input a touch event on thefunction button as illustrated in reference numeral <1220>.

The user may release an input touch event as illustrated in referencenumeral <1220> within a preset time to immediately execute acorresponding function allocated to a function button or maintain theinput touch event within the preset time to activate and display anoption menu 1200 as illustrated in reference numeral <1230>.

The user may set an option value requested by the user according tomovement of the touch event on the activated option menu 1200 asillustrated in reference numeral <1230> and then release the touch eventas illustrated in reference numeral <1240>.

When a touch event is input to a function button in a certain mode andthe touch event is released within the preset time, a unique functionallocated to the function button may be immediately executed. When thetouch event is input to the function button and maintained in a certainmode, the option menu 1200 is activated and displayed according to thetouch event, and an option is set according to a given option menu 1200,When the touch event is released, a unique function allocated to thefunction button may be executed after reflecting the set option value.

As illustrated above, a second function associated with option settingis executed according to a touch event input to the function button, anda first function allocated to the function button may be executed withan option value set by the second function according to release of thetouch event. A complex function may be operated using one touch basedtouch event input to one function button.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation of settinga multi-option value by one touch input in a touch device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, as illustrated in reference numeral <1310>, acertain function button supportable in a certain mode may be providedthrough a function region 330. The user may input a touch event on thefunction button as illustrated in reference numeral <1320>. When theuser maintains the input touch event by preset time, an option menu 1300may be activated and displayed as illustrated in reference numeral<1330>.

The user may change an option value according to an interaction moved ina left or right direction in a state that the option menu 1300 isactivated as illustrated in reference numeral <1330>. The user may alsomove the touch event upward and downward by a predetermined distance asillustrated in reference numeral <1340> to activate another option menuof a next depth in an activated state of the option menu 1300 asillustrated in reference numeral <1330>. As illustrated in referencenumeral <1370>, a previously activated option menu 1300 is removed fromthe screen, and a new option menu 1370 of the next depth according tomovement of the touch event may be activated and displayed in a locatedregion of the touch event. Multi-stage option menus may be sequentiallydisplayed according to movement of the touch event for activating anoption menu of a different depth other than movement for controlling theoption value. Similarly, an order reverse to the foregoing order may beachieved to activate an option menu 1300 of a previous depth in a stateof reference numeral <1350>.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, an operation isprovided for removing a previously activated option menu on a screenduring activation of the new option menu. However, exemplary embodimentsof the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, thepreviously activated option menu may be removed from the screen asdescribed above, or the activated state may be maintained, namely,display thereof on the screen. In this case, when the option menu isremoved, a visual effect such as fade out is applied to the expressionscheme to remove the option menu. Further, when maintaining the optionmenu, a visual effect converting the option menu into a semi-transparentform to display the option menu or a circle remains. When the new optionmenu is activated, a visual effect such as fade in is applied to displaythe new option menu.

The user may set an option value requested by the user according tomovement of the touch event from the activated option menu 1370 asillustrated in reference numeral <1330>, and release a touch event asillustrated in reference numeral <1360>.

A changed and set option value during the release of the touch event maybe at least one option value with respect to at least one option. Whenthe user sets an option value by only a given option menu 1300 in a stepof reference numeral <1330>, does not set an option value by a givenoption menu 1300 in a step of reference numeral <1330>, or sets anoption value by only a given option menu 1070 in a step of referencenumeral <1350>, only one option value may be reflected during release ofthe touch event.

When the user sets a first option value based on a given option menu ina step of reference numeral <1330> and sets a second option value basedon a given option menu 1370 in a step of reference numeral <1350>, boththe first option value and the second option value may be applied to anoption value reflected during release of the touch event. When switchingto the option menu 1370 after changing the first option value withrespect to the option menu 1300, the first option value of the optionmenu 1300 may be temporarily stored. When the touch event is releasedafter a second option value with respect to the option menu 1370 is set,the first option value of the option menu 1300 temporarily stored and anoption value (namely, the second option value) of a point in which atouch event is released from the option menu 1370 are reflected toexecute a function of the function button according to release of thetouch event.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example where a touch event is moved upward ordownward to switch an option menu of next depth or previous depth. Thisis determined according a case where a touch event for setting an optionvalue in a given option menu according to the touch event is moved in aleft or right direction. Accordingly, a touch event for switching anoption menu of the next depth or the previous depth may be performed bymoving in various directions distinguished from movement of a touchevent for setting an option value. Movement of a touch event foractivating an option value by depths is not always limited to a certainform. It will be appreciated that the movement of a touch event may beimplemented by given inputs of various forms to distinguish types oftouch events for activating an option menu by depths and changing anoption value. Changing the option menu by depths for setting a multipleoption value as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be supported by variousschemes as well as a scheme moving a touch event. Such examples areindicated in FIGS. 14 to 16.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are diagrams illustrating examples of changing an optionmenu for setting a multi-option value in a touch device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 illustrates anexample of an operation in a case of moving a touch device in a statethat input of a touch event is fixed, FIG. 15 illustrates an example ofan operation in a case of using additional touch event input (e.g.,multi-touch event input) in a state that input of a touch event isfixed, and FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an operation in a case ofusing a hard key input in a state that input of a touch event is fixed.

Referring to FIG. 14, as illustrated in reference numeral <1410>, in astate that an option menu 1400 is activated by touch event input on afunction button, the user may move a touch device inforward/rear/left/right directions while the touch event input on thefunction button. As illustrated in reference numeral <1430>, a newoption menu 1450 is substituted and displayed on a function button onwhich the touch event remains instead of a previous option menu 1400.The user may sequentially activate multi-stage option menus such as anoption menu of a next depth or an option menu of a previous depth bychanging a posture of a touch device in a state of maintaining a touchevent input to switch between option menus by depths. The touch devicemay include a sensor for determining posture information according toposture change of a touch device such as a motion sensor.

Referring to FIG. 15, as illustrated in reference numeral <1510>, in astate that an option menu 1500 is activated by input of the first touchevent 1501 on a function button, the user may input a second touch event1503 in one region of the display region 310 while maintaining the firsttouch event 1501 input on the function button to move it inup/down/left/right directions as illustrated in reference numeral<1520>. The second touch event 1503 may be input in one of the displayregion 310 or the function region 330. However, it is preferable toinput the second touch event 1503 in the display region 310 inconsideration of intuition. As illustrated in reference numeral <1530>,a new option menu 1550 may be displayed on a function button on whichthe first touch event remains instead of a previous option menu 1500.The user may sequentially activate multi-stage option menus such as anoption menu or an option menu of a previous depth by moving a secondtouch event 1503 based on a multi-touch in a certain direction in astate of maintaining a first touch event 1501 input to switch betweenoption menus by depths.

Referring to FIG. 16, as illustrated in reference numeral <1610>, in astate that an option menu 1600 is activated on a function button bytouch event input, the user may input a hard key 1640 while maintainingthe touch event input on the function button as illustrated in referencenumeral <1620>. As illustrated in reference numeral <1630>, a new optionmenu 1650 may be substituted and displayed on a function button in whichthe touch event remains instead of a previous option menu 1600. The usermay sequentially activate multi-stage option menus such as an optionmenu of a next depth or an option menu of a previous depth by operationusing a hard key 1640 in a state of maintaining an input touch event toswitch between option menus by depths.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, multi-stage option menus according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be switched to eachother. Accordingly, the user may set a plurality of option values byoption menus switched in real time while switching option menus andexecute a function according to a function button in a certain modebased on a plurality of option values.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating various forms in whichan option menu is provided in a touch device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, reference numeral <1710> represents a case wherean option menu 1700 is provided in a bar type in a landscape directionon a function button of the function region 330. Reference numeral<1720> represents a case where an option menu 1700 is provided in aninverted type of a transverse direction through the function region 330and the display region 310. Reference numeral <1730> represents a casewhere an option menu 1700 is provided in a block type of a landscape ona peripheral region (displayed on the function region 310 or the displayregion 330) adjacent to a function button of the function region 330.Reference numeral <1740> represents a case where an option menu 1700 isprovided using a function button itself of the function region 330.Reference numeral <1750> represents a case whether an option menu 1700is provided in a square type surrounding a function button of thefunction region 330. Reference numeral <1760> represents a case where anoption menu 1700 is provided in a circle type surrounding a functionbutton of the function region 330. The option menu 1700 may be providedon a function button, a peripheral region or a display region 330adjacent to the function button in a list type.

As described above, the option menu 1700 for setting an option value maybe provided in one dimensional form or a multi-dimensional form withoutlimiting a type, a direction, a size, a location. Accordingly, theoption menu is not limited to the foregoing forms. It will beappreciated that the option menu may be implemented in various givenforms such that the touch device changes an option based on one touchand executes a function.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a functionof a touch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 18, a controller 500 may execute a certain modeaccording to user selection in step 1801. For example, as illustratedabove, the controller 500 may execute a mode such as a photographingmode, a messenger mode, a media mode (including a music mode, movingimage mode, broadcasting mode) and control display of a correspondingexecution screen.

The controller 500 may detect touch event input on a function button forcontrolling a function of a certain mode in a state that a certain modeis executed in step 1803. For example, as described above, the user mayinput a touch event on a certain function button such as a photographingbutton in a photographing mode, a playback button in a media mode, arecording button in a media mode, and a call button in a call mode.

When input of a touch event is detected on the function button, thecontroller 500 may activate and display an option menu in responsethereto in step 1805. When the input of the touch event remains for apreset time, the controller 500 may activate the option menu.

The controller 500 may change and set an option value with respect tothe option menu corresponding to movement of the touch in the activatedoption menu in step 1807. For example, when movement of the touch eventis detected on the option menu after activation of the option menu, thecontroller 500 may change an option value according to the movement ofthe touch event and control display of a screen changed according to thechanged option value.

The controller 500 may detect release of the input touch event in step1809. For example, the user may change and set an option value accordingto movement of a touch event in the option menu and then release thetouch event.

When the release of the touch event is detected, the controller 500 maycontrol execution of a corresponding function mapped to the functionbutton based on a changed and set option value in the option menu instep 1811.

For example, when the release of the touch event is detected after awhite balance is set by a touch event input to a photographing button ina photographing mode, the controller 500 may control photographing witha white balance setting value changed according to the touch event. Whena font color is set by a touch event input to a transmission button in amessenger mode, a font size is additionally set, and release of thetouch event is detected, the controller 500 may control texttransmission of a font color and a font size changed according to thetouch event. When the release of the touch event is detected after arecording time is set by a touch event input to a recording button in abroadcasting mode, the controller 500 may control recording based arecoding time set according to the touch event.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operation a complexfunction based on one touch in a touch device according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the controller 500 may execute a certain modeaccording to user selection in step 1901. As described above, thecertain mode may be one of a photographing mode, a messenger mode, amusic mode, a moving image mode, a broadcasting mode, and a call mode.The controller 500 may display the display region 310 and the functionregion 330 divided corresponding to the certain mode during execution ofthe certain mode.

The controller 500 may detect a touch event input on a function regionin step 1903. The touch event may be input on a certain function buttonamong at least one function button provided in the certain mode on thefunction region 330.

The controller 500 may determine whether the input touch event isreleased in step 1905. The controller 500 may determine whether theinput touch event is released within a preset threshold time. When theinput touch event is released within a preset threshold time (YES ofstep 1905), the controller 500 may control execution of a correspondingoperation in step 1907. For example, the controller 500 may controlexecution of a function allocated to the function button given in thecertain mode. Similarly, the controller 500 may control a photographingfunction allocated to a photographing button in a photographing mode, atransmission function allocated to a transmission button in a messengermode, a recording function allocated to a recording button in abroadcasting mode, and a playback function allocated to a playbackbutton in a media mode.

When the input touch event is not released (NO of step 1905), thecontroller 500 may determine whether the touch event is input forgreater than a preset threshold time in step 1909. When the touch eventis not input for greater than a preset threshold time (NO of step 1909),the process goes to step 1905 and repeats the foregoing procedures. Whenthe touch event is input for greater than a preset threshold time (YESof step 1909), the controller 500 may activate and display an optionmenu allocated to the function button in step 1911.

At least one option menu may be allocated to a function button. If aplurality of option menus are allocated, an option menu of a prioritymay be initially activated and displayed according to a previouslydefined priority. As described above, an option menu initially providedaccording to the touch event may be set during manufacture or by usersetting. The option menu may be provided on the function button in anoverlay form, around the function button, or at a preset location of thedisplay region. A providing form of the option menu may be determinedaccording to a type of a function button selected in an executed certainmode and a corresponding certain mode, and may be indicated in a certainlocation according to user setting.

The controller 500 may detect movement of the touch event on the optionmenu in step 1913. The controller 500 may adaptively change and set anoption value of the activated option menu corresponding to the movementof the touch event in step 1915. When the movement of the touch event isdetected after activating the option menu, the controller 500 may changean option value based on a corresponding option menu according to themovement of the touch event and provide information with respect to thechanged option value through a screen.

The controller 500 may detect release of the input touch event in step1917. For example, the user may set a desired option value by movementof a touch event in the option menu and release a touch event moved toan option menu region in a corresponding point to which an option valueis set to change the option value.

When the release of the touch event is detected, the controller 500 maycontrol execution of a corresponding function based on an option valuewhen the touch event is released. When the release of the touch event isdetected, the controller 500 may control execution of a correspondingfunction allocated to the function button based on an option value of acorresponding point of an option menu region in which the touch event isreleased in step 1919.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for executing a function bysetting multi-options in a touch device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the controller 500 may detect movement of a touchevent in an activated state of an option menu in step 2001. FIG. 20illustrates an operation of detecting movement of the touch event in astate that a certain mode is executed and an option menu is activatedand displayed according to a touch event to a function button given inthe certain mode.

When detecting the moving of the touch event, the controller 500 mayidentify a type of the touch event in step 2003, and determine whetherthe movement of the touch event is movement for changing an option valuein step 2005. The controller 500 may determine whether the movement ofthe touch event is a moved interaction for changing an option value inthe option menu or a moved interaction for calling an option menu havingdepth (e.g., next depth or previous depth) different from depth of theactivated option menu.

A following operation illustrates an operation of an embodiment startingwhen the movement of the touch event is the moved interaction forchanging an option value as the determination result at step 2005.

When the movement of the touch event is the moved interaction forchanging an option value as the determination result at step 2005 (YESof step 2005), the controller 500 may adaptively change and set anoption value of the activated option menu corresponding to the movementof the touch event in step 2007. When the movement of the touch event isdetected on the option menu after activating the option menu, thecontroller 500 may change an option value based on a correspondingoption menu according to movement of the touch event in real time andprovide information with respect to the change option value through ascreen.

The controller 500 may determine whether the type of the touch event ischanged while changing the option value of the option menu correspondingto the movement of the touch event in step 2009. For example, thecontroller 500 may determine whether there is a type change requestrequesting movement of the touch event to a moving direction for callingan option menu having depth (e.g., next depth or previous depth)different from depth of the option menu.

When the type of the touch event is not changed (NO of step 2009), thecontroller 500 may determine whether the touch event is released (2023).When the touch event is released (YES of step 2023), the controller 500may control execution of a corresponding function of the function buttonbased on the changed option value in step 2021. When the touch event isnot released (NO of step 2023), the controller 500 may control executionof a corresponding operation in step 2025. For example, the controller500 may go to step 2005 to control following operations, or control anoperation of initializing a changed and set option value correspondingto user input for initializing the executed operation.

When the type of the touch event is changed (YES of step 2009), thecontroller 500 may temporarily store the changed option value due to thetouch event in the option menu in step 2011. The controller 500 maysequentially activate an option menu having depth (e.g., next depth orprevious depth) different from depth of the option menu corresponding tothe movement of the touch event due to change in the type of the touchevent in step 2013.

The controller 500 may determine whether the type of the touch event ischanged in a state that an option menu of certain depth due to theoperation is activated in step 2015. For example, the controller 500 maydetermine whether there is a type change request requesting movement ofthe touch event to a direction for changing an option value in theswitching option menu.

When the type of the touch event is not changed, the controller 500 (NOof step 2015), the controller 500 may determine whether the touch eventis released in step 2023. When the touch event is released (YES of step2023), the controller 500 may control execution of a correspondingfunction of the function button based on a changed option value withrespect to an option menu of step 2007 in step 2021. When the touchevent is not released (NO of step 2023), the controller 500 may controlexecution of a corresponding operation in step 2025.

When the type of the touch event is changed (YES of step 2015), thecontroller 500 may adaptively change and set an option value of theswitching option menu corresponding to the movement of the touch eventin step 2017. The controller 500 repeatedly performs the foregoingoperation, and may control execution of a corresponding function of afunction button based on a plurality of option values with respect to aplurality of option menus like an option value changed with respect toan option menu of step 2007 and an option value changed with respect toa switch option menu of steps 2013 and 2017 in step 2021 when detectingthe release of the touch event in step 2019.

A following operation illustrates an operation of an embodiment startingwhen the type of the touch event is movement for activating an optionmenu of different depth as the determination result at step 2005.

As the determination result of step 2005, when the type of the touchevent is not the movement for changing an option value (NO of step2005), that is, when the type of the touch event is movement foractivating an option menu of different depth (next depth or previousdepth), the controller 500 may sequentially activate an option menuhaving depth (e.g., next depth or previous depth) different from that ofthe option menu corresponding to the movement of the touch event.

The controller 500 may determine whether the type of the touch event ischanged in a state that an option menu of a certain depth is activatedin step 2015. For example, the controller 500 may determine whetherthere is a type change request requesting movement of the touch event toa direction for changing an option value in the switching option menu ina state that an option menu (switching option menu) of certain depth isactivated due to the movement of the touch event.

When the type of the touch event is not changed (NO of step 2015), thecontroller 500 may determine whether the touch event is released in step2023. When the touch event is released (YES of step 2023), thecontroller 500 may control execution of a corresponding function of afunction button without changing an option value in step 2021. When thetouch event is not released (NO of step 2023), the controller 500 mayperform a corresponding operation in step 2025. For example, thecontroller 500 may go to step 2005 and repeat the foregoing procedures.

When the type of the touch event is changed (YES of step 2015), thecontroller 500 may adaptively change and set an option value of theswitching option menu corresponding to the movement of the touch eventin step 2017. When the touch event is released in step 2019, thecontroller 500 may control execution of a corresponding function of afunction button based on an option value changed with respect to theswitching option menu of steps 2013 and 2017 in step 2021.

The foregoing method for controlling a function in a touch deviceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented in an executable program command form by various computermeans and be recorded in a computer readable recording medium. In thiscase, the computer readable recording medium may include a programcommand, a data file, and a data structure individually or a combinationthereof. The program command recorded in a recording medium may bespecially designed or configured for the present invention or be knownto a person having ordinary skill in a computer software field to beused.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can berealized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardwareand software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile ornon-volatile storage such as, for example, Magnetic Media such as harddisk, floppy disk, or magnetic tape, Optical Media such as Compact DiscRead Only Memory (CD-ROM) or Digital Versatile Disc (DVD),Magneto-Optical Media such as floptical disk, and a hardware device suchas ROM. RAM, flash memory storing and executing program commands. Itwill be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media areembodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing aprogram or programs comprising instructions that, when executed,implement embodiments of the present invention. Further, the programcommand includes a machine language code created by a complier and ahigh-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter.The foregoing hardware device may be configured to be operated as atleast one software module to perform an operation of the presentinvention.

Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code forimplementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claimsof this specification and a machine-readable storage storing such aprogram. Still further, such programs may be conveyed electronically viaany medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired orwireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

As described above, in the method and the apparatus for controlling afunction of a touch device according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, option setting and function execution may be rapidlyand intuitively performed according to a touch event input to a functionbutton in a certain mode during performing. An option value may bechanged according to a touch event input to a function button, and acorresponding function allocated to the function button may be executedwith the changed option value during release of the touch event.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when afunction according to option change in a certain mode of the touchdevice is executed, the input number of the user may be minimized tointuitively and rapidly change an option and to execute a function. Forexample, when a photographing function is executed through option changein a photographing mode, only a simple touch input may cause aphotographing function due to option change to be rapidly executed.Accordingly, satisfaction of the user with respect to execution of afunction through option change in a certain mode may be increased anddifficult change of the option value may be intuitively and easily set.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented invarious types of touch devices and various devices correspondingthereto. An optimal environment for supporting execution of a functionthrough option change may be realized in the touch device. Accordingly,exemplary embodiments of the present invention may efficiently andconveniently use a touch device during an operation of a function bycertain modes to be executed in the touch device, thereby improvingconvenience for a user, usability and competitive force of the touchdevice.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a function in a touchdevice, the method comprising: activating a second function associatedwith option setting according to a touch event input on a function key;detecting movement of a touch input while activating the secondfunction; executing the second function according to the movement of thetouch input; and executing a first function allocated to the functionkey according to an option value set by the second function when thetouch input is released, wherein the first function is separate from thesecond function.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the activating of thesecond function comprises: activating an option menu when the touchevent is input for a predetermined time, wherein the executing of thesecond function comprises: changing the option value of the option menucorresponding to movement of the touch input using the option menu. 3.The method of claim 2, further comprising: setting the option value ofthe option menu based on an option value of a point in which the touchinput is released.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the activating ofthe option menu comprises: activating a first option menu correspondingto the touch event input; and activating a second option menu accordingto a type of a touch input while the first option menu is activated. 5.The method of claim 4, further comprising: setting a first option valuewith respect to the first option menu according to the first touchinput; and changing an option menu from the first option menu to thesecond option menu according to the touch input and setting a secondoption value with respect to the second option menu according to thetouch input.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the executing of thefirst function comprises executing the first function of the functionkey based on the first option value and the second option value.
 7. Amethod for controlling a function in a touch device, the methodcomprising: detecting a touch event input on a function key displayed ina certain mode; displaying an option menu in response to the touch eventinput; detecting movement of a touch input while the option menu isdisplayed; changing an option value based on the option menu accordingto the movement of the touch input; and executing a function of thefunction key based on the changed option value when the touch input isreleased, wherein the function of the function key is separate from afunction to change the option value.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe displaying of the option menu comprises activating and displayingthe option menu when the touch event input remains for greater than apreset threshold time.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:providing a function region for providing at least one soft typefunction key for executing a function in the certain mode duringexecution of the certain mode; and providing a display region fordisplaying relation data operated according to a touch event inputthrough the function key of the function region.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the option menu is displayed in a preset location of thedisplay region, is displayed in a region adjacent to the function key,or is displayed in an overlay form.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe option menu is displayed in a form greater than one dimension. 12.The method of claim 7, further comprising: displaying a first optionmenu corresponding to the touch event input; and activating a secondoption menu of different depth than the first option menu according tochange in a type of a touch input while the first option menu isactivated.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: setting afirst option value with respect to the first option menu according to afirst touch event; and changing an option menu from the first optionmenu to the second option menu according to the touch input and settinga second option value with respect to the second option menu by thetouch input.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the executing of thefunction comprises executing a second function of the function key basedon the first option value changed in the first option menu and thesecond option value changed in the second option menu.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the executing of the function of the function keycomprises: changing the first option value with respect to the firstoption menu and temporarily storing the first option value of the firstoption menu when an option menu is switched to the second option menu;setting the second option value with respect to the second option menu;and executing the function of the function key according to the releaseof the touch input according to both of the first option value and thesecond option value when the touch input is released after the secondoption value is set.
 16. A touch device comprising; a display unitconfigured to display a function region for providing at least one softtype function key for executing a function in a certain mode duringexecution of the certain mode and a display region for displayingrelated data operated according to a touch event input through thefunction key of the function region; a memory configured to store atleast one option menu given by the certain mode, a corresponding optionsetting value, and preset information for a function operation of thetouch device; and a controller configured to activate at least oneoption menu according to a touch input through the function key in thecertain mode, to detect movement of a touch input while activating atleast one option menu, to change at least on option value according tothe movement of the touch input and to control execution of a functionof the function key based on the at least one changed option value whenthe touch input is released, wherein the function of the function key isseparate from a function of the at least one changed option value. 17.The touch device of claim 16, wherein the touch event input comprises:an interaction for calling an option menu allocated to a function keybefore a function corresponding to the function key is executed, whereinthe touch input is classified into at least one of: an interaction movedto change an option value according the called option menu; and aninteraction for executing the function corresponding to a function keyafter changing the option value, and wherein each of the interactions isachieved based on a single touch.
 18. The touch device of claim 17,wherein the controller activates an option menu when the touch eventinput is input on the function key for a predetermined time, and changesthe option value of the option menu corresponding to movement of thetouch input using the option menu.
 19. The touch device of claim 18,wherein the controller activates a first option menu corresponding tothe touch event input and activates a second option menu according tochange in a type of the touch input while the first option menu isactivated.
 20. The touch device of claim 19, wherein the controller setsa first option value with respect to the first option menu according toa first touch event, changes an option menu from the first option menuto the second option menu according to the touch input, and sets asecond option value with respect to the second option menu according tothe touch input.
 21. The touch device of claim 19, wherein thecontroller controls execution of a second function of the function keybased on the first option value changed in the first option menu and thesecond option value changed in the second option menu.
 22. The touchdevice of claim 16, wherein the controller controls execution of anunique function of the function key when the touch input is releasedwithin a predetermined time after the touch event is inputted to thefunction key, the controller displays a menu setting an optionassociated with the unique function when the touch event input maintainsfor greater than a predetermined time elapses after the touch event isinputted to the function key, the controller sets the option accordingto movement of the touch input when the touch input is movedcorresponding to the menu, and the controller reflects the set optionvalue to control execution of the unique function of the function keywhen the touch input is released.
 23. A method for controlling afunction in a touch device, the method comprising: receiving a touchevent input through a function key displayed on a screen; executing afunction of the function key when the touch event input is released;displaying a menu setting an option associated with the function when apredetermined time elapses after the touch event is inputted to thefunction key; detecting a touch input being moved corresponding to themenu for setting the option associated with the function in a state thatthe touch event is not released; and executing the function of thefunction key by reflecting the set option value when the touch input isreleased after displaying the menu setting the option.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the releasing of the touch event within apredetermined time is inputted to the function key so that the touchevent input is released from the function key, and the releasing of thetouch input after the predetermined time elapses is inputted to thefunction key so that the touch input is released from the menu.
 25. Aphotographing method in a touch device, comprising: receiving a touchevent input through a photographing key displayed on a screen;performing photographing when the touch event input is released;displaying a menu setting an option associated with the photographingwhen the touch event input maintains for greater than a predeterminedtime after the touch event is inputted to the photographing key;detecting a touch input being moved corresponding to the menu forsetting the option associated with the photographing in a state that thetouch event is not released; and executing photographing to which theset option value is applied when the touch input is released.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the releasing of the touch event within thepredetermined time is inputted to the photographing key so that thetouch event input is released from the photographing key, and thereleasing of the touch event after the predetermined time elapses isinputted to the photographing key so that the touch input is releasedfrom the menu.
 27. An apparatus for operating a function of a touchdevice, the apparatus comprising: a touch screen displaying a functionkey for performing a function and receiving a touch event input throughthe function key; a controller controlling a first mode executing thefunction of the function key when the touch event input is released,displaying a menu setting an option associated with the function whenthe touch event input maintains for greater than a predetermined time,detecting a touch input being moved corresponding to the menu forsetting the option associated with the function in a state that thetouch event is not released, and controlling a second mode executing thefunction of the function key by reflecting the set option value when thetouch input is released after displaying the menu setting the option.28. A touch device comprising: a camera module; a touch screendisplaying a photographing key for performing photographing using thecamera module, and receiving a touch event input for performing thephotographing through the photographing key; a controller controlling afirst mode executing photographing when the touch event is released,displaying a menu setting an option associated with the photographingwhen the touch event input maintains for greater than a predeterminedtime, detecting a touch input being moved corresponding to the menu forsetting the option associated with the photographing in a state that thetouch event is not released, and controlling a second mode of executingphotographing to which the set option value is applied when the touchinput is released.
 29. A non-transitory computer readable recordingmedium storing a program of displaying a function key on a screen,processing a first mode executing a function of a function key when atouch event input through the function key is released, displaying amenu setting an option associated with the function when the touch eventinput through the function key maintains for greater than apredetermined time, detecting a touch input being moved corresponding tothe menu for setting the option associated with the function in a statethat the touch event is not released, and processing a second mode ofexecuting the function of the function key by reflecting the set optionvalue when the touch event is released.